Race & Climate Justice
Lawyers for Civil Rights has launched a new practice area focused on climate resilience and environmental justice in low-income communities of color and immigrant communities.
With each passing year, the impact of climate change on low-income communities of color and immigrant communities becomes more harmful and dramatic. How we address that impact is one of the most pressing civil rights challenges we face today. As leaders on the front lines of justice, we must not only address the disproportionate impact of climate change on low-income communities of color and immigrant communities, but invest in creative and courageous actions in climate resilience planning, decision-making, policy-making, and legal action that include directly-impacted individuals.
While Massachusetts has existing infrastructure for environmental justice work, many of the organizations driving this work tend to focus on environmental issues rather than on the particular communities most affected. Low-income communities of color and immigrant communities are significantly underrepresented in decision-making, planning, and advocacy. Yet these communities are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, heightened proximity to environmental hazards, and a shrinking safety net to protect from extreme climate events and the adverse health impacts of pollution.
Our Race and Climate Justice Project will integrate the voices of low-income people of color and immigrants into climate change discussions, and ensure that solutions reflect the perspectives and needs of our communities.
Race & Climate Justice Project
Recent Advocacy:
- Climate change, pollution, and violence drive people to the U.S. border.
- Greenspace plans should be included in all new development projects.
- Language access victory in Boston!
Learn more about this cutting-edge work →
Race and Climate Justice FOR PUBLIC RELEASENews and Resources
Mar 21, 23
Preventing Thousands Of Vulnerable Families From Losing Medical BenefitsMar 02, 23
Lawsuit Against U.S. Immigration Agencies on Humanitarian ParoleMar 01, 23
Statement on Martha’s Vineyard CaseFeb 22, 23
Forward-Looking Settlement Reached in Federal Civil Rights LawsuitFeb 13, 23
Martha’s Vineyard Migrants Respond to New Florida LegislationFeb 06, 23
Lawyers for Civil Rights Demands Compliance with MBTA Zoning LawFeb 03, 23
Federal Response to Haitian Migrants Held in Squalor Under Border BridgeFeb 02, 23
Diversifying Vocational Schools in MassachusettsJan 30, 23
Black Muslim Man Deserves New TrialJan 28, 23
Tyre Nichols, Terrence Coleman & Reina MoralesJan 26, 23
Boston Police Denies Right to CounselJan 25, 23
Botched Police Investigation in East Boston Reinforces Racial DisparitiesJan 04, 23
Facing Lawsuit, Barnstable County’s New Sheriff Ends Contract With ICENov 29, 22
Martha’s Vineyard Migrants Go After Plane Company, Perla & Top Florida OfficialsNov 17, 22
Federal Investigation Into Discriminatory Business Practices At Logan AirportOct 31, 22
LCR’s Civil Rights SummitOct 25, 22
Fact-Finding Mission Examines Conditions in Central AmericaOct 21, 22
Retracing Perla’s Steps in Texas and the Border